There are some interesting birds in the world, and this one falls into that category. What can be more intimidating than a blood-covered bird? Well, the bearded vulture sure does know how to seem frightening.
Meet the Bearded Vulture
These birds are also called the lammergeier. They are striking birds of prey with glossy dark wings and a black “beard.” Their most striking feature is that they eat bones. Most vultures feast on flesh, but this species has a taste for bone marrow. They will swallow smaller bones whole or break open larger bones by dropping them to the ground to get to the good stuff.
A Strange Fashion Choice
These birds are the only birds known to die their feathers intentionally. Several theories exist on why these strange birds dye their feathers reddish-brown, closely mimicking blood. They use iron-rich water or rub damp red soil onto their heads and legs to cover their feathers and get the look they’re going for.
It Helps Them with Hygiene
One theory is that iron oxide acts as a natural disinfectant. While feeding on bones is much cleaner than eating flesh, these bones still harbor bacteria. By covering themselves in their reddish-brown coat, they avoid taking dangerous microbes back to their nests. This could help protect their young from harmful bacteria, giving them the best chance of survival.
It’s a Sign of Strength
Another grand theory is that this color helps them maintain dominance among other birds. When birds compete for bones, they puff out their feathers and swing their heads. It is believed that a deeper red hue shows a sign of dominance, making other birds retreat.
The Science Behind the Stain
The red pigment comes from iron oxide found in soil and water. Vultures target areas with high iron deposits, like rusty pools in the Pyrenees, to dye themselves. Unlike other birds, their feathers aren’t naturally red; the color is entirely self-applied, a unique trait among these birds.
Red Rings Around the Eyes
If you take a closer look at these birds, you’ll notice that they have a red ring around their eyes, adding to their intimidation. The amount of blood flow in the area can also enhance the red color of their eyes. These rings are called scleral rings and can make them look more fierce.
Why Not Camouflage?
Most birds opt for camouflage to help them stay out of trouble, but these birds don’t have to hide themselves from predators. These birds are apex predators with no known predators that threaten their lives. Due to their food choice, they don’t have to sneak up on prey either.
Their Unique Diet
These incredible birds are the only known birds with a diet consisting of 70–90% bones. These scavengers mainly steal food from other scavengers and pick away what’s left. They can drop bones from as high as 260 feet to help break them open and get to the marrow.
Their Unique Feathered Head
Most vultures sport a bald head to help them stay clean through a messy meal. But these vultures have a look that’s unique to them. They have a fully feathered head that helps them stay warm in cold mountain habitats. These birds can have these luscious crowns thanks to their clean diet of bones only.
Solitary Hunters
These birds are mainly solitary, except for breeding season, when they find a mate. They fiercely defend their territories, which span hundreds of square miles, and engage in aerial displays to deter intruders. They build their nests high on cliffs and often use those same nests for many years, only building on them.
Not Just Intimidating But Playful Too
These incredible birds aren’t just known for their intimidating presence; they can also be quite playful. They’ve been seen dropping sticks mid-air and catching them, a behavior rarely seen in birds of prey.
A Need for Conservation
These birds quickly drop in population due to habitat loss and pesticide poisoning. These birds have a near-threatened status, making conservation efforts critical for survival.
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